With epic mountains, historical landmarks, creative tours, and adventurous water sports, there’s no lack of unique or fun things to do in Santa Barbara. And with great Californian weather year-round, anytime is truly a great time to visit. If you want to get out past State Street and check out the true pulse of the city and surrounding nature, you have to get off the beaten track a little – and we’re here to help you do that!
Santa Barbara is full of fun things to do – from mingling with the locals at the Farmer’s Market to visiting the US’s largest collections of dolls, we weren’t kidding when we said there are plenty of things to do in SB, California that are truly unique and a bit different than most guides might suggest. Here are the best, most fun, and most unusual.
Unique Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a beautiful and often quirky town with more to it than meets the eye. If you want to get off the beaten track a little bit, there are plenty of options: Here are my other Santa Barbara resources:
- Unique Places to Stay in Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Hidden Gems – the MOST unique experiences!
- Best Beach Hikes in Southern California
Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library: The Largest Collection of Dolls in the US & Most Unique Activity in SB
Who would think one of the most unique things to do in Santa Barbara was to visit the United States’ largest collection of teddy bears and dolls? Yeah, you read that right. The Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library will leave you wanting to return, as there’s so much to see.
With over 10,000 square feet to explore and murals painted wall to wall, it’s sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
The opening hours are limited: open to the public only from 11 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday. If you’d like to visit Sunday through Thursday, you can set an appointment. The prices are also very affordable (less than $10). Check their website for current prices.
Santa Barbara Food Tour
I always say that a food tour is the best and most direct way to access the true pulse of a destination, its history, and its quirks, and the Santa Barbara food tour is no different. Taste your way through 5-6 eateries from Santa Barbara’s history, stopping to try foods (and wines) you wouldn’t have even noticed while passing through many of the main places to visit in SB.
This is the best unique activity for those who still want to be a little bit of tourists and see the main sights, but in a unique way.
Visit Solvang Village: Danish Village Outside of SB, California
Here’s one of the unique things to do in SB, which is perfect for a day trip: Solvang Village! With a population of only 6,000, the Danish village will transport you to another world — a cute and quaint European one. Aside from enjoying the architecture, you’ll be delighted by the bakeries, Danish souvenirs, and beer garden.
Since bakeries are a must-visit in Solvang, two top bakeries not to miss are Olsen’s Danish Village and Mortensen’s Bakery. Grab some while you’re there (and a few for the road!).
Salt Cave: Unique Santa Barbara Retreat Along State Street
If you’re one to indulge in health rituals, this is one of the coolest places to visit in Santa Barbara, CA, for a luxurious experience. This is the largest crystal salt cave in the United States, and here you can enjoy spa treatments, meditation, and yoga sessions. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, the Salt Cave is the perfect space to retreat; you can even book private events here.
Skaters Point: Chill Out & Watch the Skaters by the Ocean
Skaters Point is an awesome skate park in central Santa Barbara RIGHT on the water, so you can skate – or watch – with an ocean view. There’s nothing quite like kickin’ back on the waterfront on a lazy day and watching skaters land gnarly tricks. If you have your own board, feel free to join in the fun, or just come along and enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes.
There’s a parking lot right by the skate park, but keep in mind it’s paid parking.
Jump on the Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
What better way to check off some of the top Santa Barbara destinations than with a trolley tour? Trust me, there is none. The tour will take you to the Old Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, The Museum of Natural History, and more unique places too.
By the end of the 90-minute tour, you may just be the next expert in Santa Barbara history. During the holidays, they even offer a tour at night with the trolleys covered in lights — making this one of the unique things to do in Santa Barbara for the whole family OR a great intro to the city if you haven’t been here before
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Visiting the Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara, CA, for those interested in anything ocean-related. From exhibitions on surfing and the Channel Islands to the history of Santa Barbara and deep-sea diving, the Maritime Museum aims to provide something interesting for every guest.
In addition to the exhibitions, the museum hosts regular lectures, which can be found on its website. Admission is less than $15/person and varies in price for adults and children.
Antiquing in Summerland
If you love antiques, one of the most fun things to do in Santa Barbara is just a 15-minute drive from Stearns Wharf. The Summerland Antique Collective. With over 20 vendors, you can find unique pieces, furniture, gifts, art, and more. Known as one of the best collections on the West Coast, it’s worth a visit, even just to look!
The Summerland Antique Collective is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed on Mondays.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Located downtown, MOXI is one of the most fun things to do in SB, California, especially for families with young children! Packed with interactive, educational exhibits on art, science, and technology, kids will have something to check out on every floor.
Of course, adults are also welcome to visit the museum, and there are even special events for adults, including happy hour, where you can sip and explore the three museum floors and play around with some of the displays and exhibits – fun for all ages.
You can buy dated tickets on the official MOXI website, and they even offer discounted tickets for EBT cardholders, helping make education more accessible.
McConnell’s Ice Cream Shop
If an ice cream shop has been in business for 70 years, you know it MUST be amazing – and a must-do fun activity in Santa Barbara that I love every singel time. And here in SB, there’s McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream, which uses the best ingredients to create delicious homemade ice cream flavors such as honey and cornbread, s’mores, and toasted coconut almond chip.
While they use the best milk and eggs in their products, they also offer vegan flavors! They have two locations on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, so take advantage of those divine licks while you’re there!
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
One of the largest orchid collections in the world, the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate is the place to stroll around or pick up some flowers for yourself. If you’re an orchid enthusiast, you actually cannot miss this SB activity because you’ll be amazed by the massive range in types of orchids you can view here! Be sure to call ahead of time to confirm their opening hours.
Ghost-Themed Walking Tour: A Spooky But Fun Thing to Do in Santa Barbara
A ghost-themed walking tour is one of the most unique ways to get to know SB through its legends and myths. If you love the thrill of a good spook, gather your friends — you might just need them to get through the scary stories.
Check out this small-group tour offering for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Jump on a Kayak Tour – and Spot Seals & Dolphins
Sit, relax, and say hello to some cute seals and dolphins as you enjoy one of the most fun things to do in Santa Barbara, California – kayaking! Plenty of adventure companies in Santa Barbara offer this popular ocean activity, so there’s no shortage of opportunities to go out on the water and meet seals and dolphins in their natural environment. Here’s one tour that won’t let you down:
Cat Therapy: Support Cat Rescue and Cuddles
If there’s one thing the USA could have more of, it’s cat cafes. And right here in SB, California, you can visit one that’s done more than bring us cute cats to hang out with; in fact, this cafe supports shelter cats who get fostered and re-homed.
There are many of them roaming around at any given time, and your time with them helps them get socialized and you – therapized! Book your cat cafe visit ahead of time and find yourself with 10-15 new furry friends (at least for the time you pay, haha).
Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show
Every Sunday from 10 AM til dusk, you’ll find one of the most fun things to do in Santa Barbara—the Arts & Crafts Show! They also run on Saturdays during major holidays.
You can check out locally made creations, talk with SB artists, and support independent businesses. So if you’re looking for the perfect gift from Santa Barbara, hold off on all the tourist shops and give the arts and crafts show a visit!
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
Noted as a California Historical Landmark, El Presidio de Santa Barbara is the place to absorb some local history. The last remaining Spanish fortress stands here, built over 200 years ago in 1782. Yet there’s more history here to learn besides the history of the Spanish; in fact, there are exhibitions dedicated to Japanese history in Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara School of Arts.
Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum
When we think of California, besides surfing and living the chill beach life, we might think of the Wild West… and this museum takes us there. At the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum, you’ll find over 50 saddles owned by famous people in history, as well as a collection of carriages and artwork from this time period.
It’s located near the Funk Zone, so if you’re staying downtown, it’s easy to get here on foot!
Chaucer’s Bookstore
While the culture of going to the library or bookstore has decreased with the rise of the internet and smartphones, that doesn’t mean the culture is dead, and Chaucer’s Bookstore shows this! Chaucer’s is one of the best places to visit in Santa Barbara if you’re a book lover.
Opened in 1974 and located along State Street, they carry books on just about any subject. It’s the perfect place to pick up a new read or just browse.
Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market
Since 1983, the Santa Barbara Certified Farmer’s Market has been a local favorite, directly connecting farmers to consumers. Open six days a week (every day in a new location making its way around town), the farmer’s market is the place to get fresh produce while supporting local farming businesses. If you’re staying in SB for awhile, it’s the best place to grab some fresh food to cook for yourself or just come along and try some local goodies on the spot!
More Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Here are even more ideas, around the city and also outdoors.
Visit Channel Islands National Park
This is one of my true favorite fun outdoor adventures that surprises my every single time I visit. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is the place for ocean lovers seeking fun things to do in SB beyond visiting the beach. Visit these islands to kayak, paddle through caves, or dive, and see a side of California ocean life you can’t get from the shore.
The tour to the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara below takes you whale- and dolphin-watching and then to the ‘painted cave,’ the deepest sea cave on earth! This is a truly unique thing to do, not only in Santa Barbara but in California – the painted cave is spectacular.
Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley
While Santa Maria isn’t in Santa Barbara, if you’re a wine lover and willing to take a one-hour-or-so trip to the Santa Maria Valley, we have got something EXTRA fun for you — the Wine Trolley! Trust us, it’s as fun as it sounds and worth planning a trip around.
The trolley tour will take you to multiple wineries for tastings of the area’s best local wines, in the most unique way to taste wine around Santa Barbara. The trolley ticket doesn’t include tastings, but it offers special deals at each stop along the way!
Take an E-bike Ride
An E-Bike ride is one of the fun things to do in Santa Barbara that many visitors may overlook, but it’s certainly a great way to get around if you don’t have a car or simply want to enjoy the ocean breeze! You can find bike rental centers across all different areas of SB, or rent online and pick up at a central location near you.
Another great way to explore Santa Barbara on an e-bike is to take an actual e-bike tour. The tour below is a great way to learn about the area and see the best parts, and find all the best photo spots too.
Stroll the Paths at Ganna Walska’s Lotusland
Located in Montecito, Ganna Walska’s ‘Lotusland’ is a truly impressive public garden with unique plants and avant-garde designs. It has seemingly endless gardens – such as the cactus, Japanese, succulent, and topiary gardens, and so much more across 37 acres.
To visit, make a reservation in advance as it can be booked out even up to a week ahead of time. Unfortunately, you cannot show up on the spot!
Enjoy Summerland Beach
Summerland Beach is a picturesque stretch of California shoreline with blue waters, vast beaches, and impressive cliffs that I pretty much always make a stop at while I’m driving up the coast. It’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown SB, so it’s less popular than other beaches, making it a perfect choice to escape the crowd a little bit while still enjoying all those California vibes.
Above the beach, there’s a park with picnic tables and BBQ areas to enjoy.
Explore Stearns Wharf
Imagine: the sun is setting over Santa Barbara, and you’re looking to wind down after a long day but still want to do something fun. Then Stearns Wharf is the fun thing to do in Santa Barbara for you. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the ocean views, or grab a bite of ice cream and freshly caught seafood. With food, shopping, and those SB ocean views, it’s ideal for exploring for a little while at any time of say.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Never in my life have I thought of a courthouse as a desirable destination — in fact, it’s usually the last place someone would want to end up. But the Santa Barbara Courthouse is different. The iconic landmark was built in 1929 and has a stunning Spanish-colonial-style architecture that draws visitors in, at the very least, for a photo op.
Both guided and self-guided tours are available and will take you to see the famous mural room (learn more about it in my SB hidden gems article) and get an epic 360 city view of Santa Barbara from the rooftop.
Last entry is at 4:30 PM as they close at 5 PM every day.
Walk around the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
There are some epic hiking trails around Santa Barbara, but not all are the easiest to explore. If you love the outdoors, but not intense hiking (or you’re traveling with young children), this may be one of the best fun things to do in Santa Barbara to get out into beautiful nature.
The 78-acre Botanical Gardens include easy hiking trails, sweeping views, and are a great way to experience the natural flora and fauna of the area. Since the area doesn’t have much shade, bring sunscreen!
Tickets are most expensive during peak season at around $25 per adult. To go you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time and your ticket includes parking.
Water Sports in Santa Barbara
We’ve talked about kayaking, whale/seal watching, and the Channel Islands so far, but let me tell you there are SO many cool water sports in Santa Barbara to check out you may not have thought of. These include parasailing over the ocean, paddle boarding, taking a surf lesson, or going on a cruise. Check out the top water tours and rentals in Santa Barbara on Viator, and you’re sure to find something super fun for you and your crew.
Visit the Arlington Theatre
Seeing a show at the Arlington Theatre is a no-brainer for those who love movies and live shows (& doing it at a unique location!) Built in 1931, the 2,000-seat theatre embraces Spanish-colonial architecture, making it a historic theatre to view a show. So even if you don’t have time for a show or what’s playing doesn’t interest you, take the time to drive by and see its unique charm.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is a great stop to make for anyone who can’t get enough of museums! It’s extra unique because it’s located in the former Santa Barbara Post Office. The museum displays contemporary art from around the globe, and hosts a variety of exhibitions in the repurposed space. We suggest buying tickets beforehand to secure your time slot, although walk-ins are possible.
Visit the Historic Mission Santa Barbara
Of 21 original mission buildings built by the Spanish along the West Coast, the Santa Barbara Mission Church is the most impressive one standing today. Across 10 acres, visitors can view the main church and other remaining buildings.
It’s a peek into California’s history, from Spanish colonization to Mexico’s independence to California’s Statehood, and something. you can ONLY do in California. From 9 am – 5 pm, guests can take a guided tour of the site to view the buildings and see the impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of California’s history.
Tickets are between $10 and $20, depending on whether they are for adults or children. Self-guided tours Monday through Saturday run from 9:30 AM – 5 PM, and from 12:30 PM to 5 PM on Sundays.
Have you found some unique and fun things to do in Santa Barbara to spice up your trip (or weekend)? Let us know in the comments below!
